Short on square footage? Trim a cumbersome old table down to a tidy console. Cut the table to the desired length (but no more than 18 inches for stability) and trim off the legs. Mount a 1x4 board to the wall, and use L-shape brackets to secure the desk to it.

Editor's Tip: To create the clever memo center, cut an old crib spring down to a square shape, and frame the cut edge with a 1x2 board.